The following letter from Jet Beckum was published in the Aiken Standard on February 11.
"I recently read a book by Richard Neely (a Supreme Court justice of West Virginia) entitled "Tragedies of Our Own Making." In Mr. Neely's book he points out the reasons for the bankruptcy of this nation. However at the time it was written just a few states were in financial trouble, now it is the entire nation. Mr. Neely said the choices we as citizens make determine the financial problems we are currently witnessing.
His conclusion, the colossal medical cost and expensive health insurance along with crime in the streets, failure of the education system, have stressed the financial strength of our nation. The main culprit is the breakup of the American family.
For example the number of one-parent households has greatly increased in the last 30 years. According, to Mr. Neely, although there are advocates for one-parent family in some circumstances such as cruel or violent marriages the fact is divorce is a main cause of poverty in this nation. In general one parent families' children will have more educational problems more problems with crime related activities. Divorces force more financial burdens on society therefore creating more taxpayer funded programs. Government solutions to family problems are substantially more expensive than private family solution because the infamous inefficiency of governmental bureaucracy.
Mr. Neely points out every time we as private citizens failed to care for our children's needs and ask the government to provide them; we not only put our children at risk but we add to the financial downfall of this country.
Most educators when asked for solutions to our dismal graduation rates in our public high schools often respond with "more money" although we spent far more money on education than do many foreign countries and provide less educated children. Many educators also think only the the poor students are failing in our schools. Mr. Neely says no. Many one-parent children come from affluent communities but have all of the problems associated with the poverty of inner-city children.
America is the best in the world educating adults, most foreign countries send their brightest students here for higher education, however, we are one of the world's worst at educating children. Japan for example provides much more proficient students in high school than does the U.S. at less cost. Mr. Neely attributes this to Japan's strong family tradition. The mother in the Japanese family with children stays at home and acts to facilitate their children's education. It is no wonder that America's home schools are providing some of best educated students in the country.
A few days ago I read in the Aiken Standard that the Aiken Board of Education was inviting the public to a discussion on the future of education. A friend and I attended, to my disappointment, the group for discussion was formed in a semi-circle with its back to the public, they seem to be studying ED 101, but I could not hear since their voices were low with their backs facing us. The group was made up of mostly former school educators and insiders. As I walked to my truck to go home, I wondered about South Carolina's graduation rate of 53.7 percent and I wondered how much longer public taxpayers will put up with public education.
Jet Beckum
Aiken"
Foxnews Ticker
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - Feb 9, 2009
AIKEN HORIZONS 2009 – Last week-end the City Council met for its annual seminar on city issues. I thought I might update residents on some of the issues we discussed. Of most importance is that the City of Aiken recognizes the need to conserve resources; no new programs such as the proposed City Hall expansion; delays in filling vacant positions; evaluating changes in trash/re-cycling schedules and a few more. Major revenues are on target for the first six months of the year, but will decrease thereafter. Revenues related to new growth (permits and planning) and police fines are about 75% of last year. Interest revenue is 35% of last year.
Kim Abney, our new Finance Director, is encouraging water users to pay their bills on-line. Bills can be sent by email and payments made by bank draft saving postage costs. You are notified by email before any withdrawals from you bank.
The Planning Department made an interesting presentation on Aging in Aiken – Enhancing Livability. The City of Aiken has a higher percentage of citizens who are 55 and older compared to the nation’s average (33.3% for Aiken vs. 21.3% nationwide). Our median age is 41.3. Council discussed the creation of an Advisory Committee which would help determine needs, develop plans of action, promote communication and coordination, and advise the City Council on senior issues. The issues would include mobility, pedestrian safety, accessibility to services, public safety, housing design, and recreation.
AIKEN WEBSITE UPDATE – The city’s web site (www.aiken.net) can be a valuable tool for residents needing information about the city. In 2008 there were over 400,000 visitors. Some were looking for jobs while others researched business information, zoning ordinances, and current events within the city. Check it out!
ADPS HIGHWAY ENFORCEMENT SUCCESSES – Public Safety Chief Pete Frommer’s special traffic enforcement officers, CPL Chris Carter and PSO Jason Griffin were very active in 2008. Their special units, Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) issued 3,963 traffic citations, 819 warning tickets, and made 126 criminal arrests. Not coincidentally, their work, with the rest of ADPS, saw zero fatal collisions – down from six traffic fatalities in 2007. Our HEAT term looks for alcohol impaired drivers, seat belt violations, and any aggressive driving behaviors that contribute to collisions. Their work especially in cooperation with out Patrol Division and the rest of ADPS has made out city streets much safer to drive.
RECOGNITION OF FORMER BOARD/COMMISSION MEMBERS – At our Council meeting, we will recognize four individuals who have served on various Boards and Commissions. Mary Ellen Kripner (Arts Commission), Bernice Sanders (Accommodations Tax Committee), Stephen Anaclerio (Design Review Board), and Michael McGhee (Community Development Board) deserve our thanks for a job well done.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS 2009-2010 – Council will adopt the goals we set during the Horizons Session, mentioned earlier in this message. There were fourteen goals only a few which will be mentioned:
1. Develop an overall strategy for solving the Sand River storm drainage problems in Hitchcock Woods. This would include development of a joint agreement with the Woods, SCDOT, and Aiken County concerning solutions and funding.
2. Begin construction of the Dougherty Road connector to Publix Center.
3. In Edgewood, begin construction of new homes, and continue purchasing property in Toole Hill and Pinecrest.
4. Identify and prioritize capital projects as a part of implementing the Aiken Parks Recreation and Tourism Master Plan.
5. Implement strategies to redevelop and stabilize Crosland Park.
6. Organize and prepare for the City’s 175th anniversary celebration in 2010.
7. Establish a citizen task force to study issues affecting Aiken’s seniors to determine what measures could be taken to improve and preserve their quality of life.
8. Identify capital improvement projects that would be appropriate for inclusion on the next Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) list, anticipated to be voted upon in November 2010.
9. Expand the City Wellness Initiative into the public domain through an educational program and encourage our citizens toward better public health in Aiken.
There are a few others dealing with such issues as a youth activity center, future missions of the Savannah River Site, the Character First Program, and an evaluation of sustainability-focused activities.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA – Our agenda is rather light this week with mostly routine items. We have Second and final reading on leasing property on Price Avenue for Aiken Compounding Pharmacy Building. First Readings on ordinances to modify loans to the Aiken Corporation, an Ordinance to Amend the York Street Water Tower Attachment Lease Agreement (cell towers), and a resolution supporting 175th Celebration Committee.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – Keep in mind that City Council agendas are available on line. The complete agenda includes supporting documents that we review to determine a course of action. The link for Monday’s City Council agenda is http://www.aiken.net/weblink7/docview.aspx?id=100059.
Kim Abney, our new Finance Director, is encouraging water users to pay their bills on-line. Bills can be sent by email and payments made by bank draft saving postage costs. You are notified by email before any withdrawals from you bank.
The Planning Department made an interesting presentation on Aging in Aiken – Enhancing Livability. The City of Aiken has a higher percentage of citizens who are 55 and older compared to the nation’s average (33.3% for Aiken vs. 21.3% nationwide). Our median age is 41.3. Council discussed the creation of an Advisory Committee which would help determine needs, develop plans of action, promote communication and coordination, and advise the City Council on senior issues. The issues would include mobility, pedestrian safety, accessibility to services, public safety, housing design, and recreation.
AIKEN WEBSITE UPDATE – The city’s web site (www.aiken.net) can be a valuable tool for residents needing information about the city. In 2008 there were over 400,000 visitors. Some were looking for jobs while others researched business information, zoning ordinances, and current events within the city. Check it out!
ADPS HIGHWAY ENFORCEMENT SUCCESSES – Public Safety Chief Pete Frommer’s special traffic enforcement officers, CPL Chris Carter and PSO Jason Griffin were very active in 2008. Their special units, Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) issued 3,963 traffic citations, 819 warning tickets, and made 126 criminal arrests. Not coincidentally, their work, with the rest of ADPS, saw zero fatal collisions – down from six traffic fatalities in 2007. Our HEAT term looks for alcohol impaired drivers, seat belt violations, and any aggressive driving behaviors that contribute to collisions. Their work especially in cooperation with out Patrol Division and the rest of ADPS has made out city streets much safer to drive.
RECOGNITION OF FORMER BOARD/COMMISSION MEMBERS – At our Council meeting, we will recognize four individuals who have served on various Boards and Commissions. Mary Ellen Kripner (Arts Commission), Bernice Sanders (Accommodations Tax Committee), Stephen Anaclerio (Design Review Board), and Michael McGhee (Community Development Board) deserve our thanks for a job well done.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS 2009-2010 – Council will adopt the goals we set during the Horizons Session, mentioned earlier in this message. There were fourteen goals only a few which will be mentioned:
1. Develop an overall strategy for solving the Sand River storm drainage problems in Hitchcock Woods. This would include development of a joint agreement with the Woods, SCDOT, and Aiken County concerning solutions and funding.
2. Begin construction of the Dougherty Road connector to Publix Center.
3. In Edgewood, begin construction of new homes, and continue purchasing property in Toole Hill and Pinecrest.
4. Identify and prioritize capital projects as a part of implementing the Aiken Parks Recreation and Tourism Master Plan.
5. Implement strategies to redevelop and stabilize Crosland Park.
6. Organize and prepare for the City’s 175th anniversary celebration in 2010.
7. Establish a citizen task force to study issues affecting Aiken’s seniors to determine what measures could be taken to improve and preserve their quality of life.
8. Identify capital improvement projects that would be appropriate for inclusion on the next Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) list, anticipated to be voted upon in November 2010.
9. Expand the City Wellness Initiative into the public domain through an educational program and encourage our citizens toward better public health in Aiken.
There are a few others dealing with such issues as a youth activity center, future missions of the Savannah River Site, the Character First Program, and an evaluation of sustainability-focused activities.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA – Our agenda is rather light this week with mostly routine items. We have Second and final reading on leasing property on Price Avenue for Aiken Compounding Pharmacy Building. First Readings on ordinances to modify loans to the Aiken Corporation, an Ordinance to Amend the York Street Water Tower Attachment Lease Agreement (cell towers), and a resolution supporting 175th Celebration Committee.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – Keep in mind that City Council agendas are available on line. The complete agenda includes supporting documents that we review to determine a course of action. The link for Monday’s City Council agenda is http://www.aiken.net/weblink7/docview.aspx?id=100059.
Friday, February 6, 2009
The Ridge at Chukker Creek
Yesterday I had the pleasure of touring The Ridge at Chukker Creek with developer Ron Monohan. I was delighted to see the progress that has been made in preparing this new green neighborhood. To read more about this exciting concept go here.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Aiken Standard Reports on Proposed University Medical Complex
The Aiken Standard has done some good reporting on the proposed Medical Complex on Silver Bluff Road. There are two articles and each has had many comments pro and con. I urge readers to read both aricles and the many comments. The links are as follows:
January 27 http://www.aikenstandard.com/Local/0127council
January 28 http://www.aikenstandard.com/Local/0129-University-comments
January 27 http://www.aikenstandard.com/Local/0127council
January 28 http://www.aikenstandard.com/Local/0129-University-comments
Saturday, January 24, 2009
2009, Aiken City Council Meeting - Jan 26
HORSE DISTRICT ACCESSORY BUILDINGS ORDINANCE – At our last meeting, Council approved a change to amend the existing ordinance to remove the 50% limit and to approve requests on a case-by-case basis. Council took this action despite input from the Equine Committee which recommended that the current ordinance not be changed. I voted against changing the ordinance preferring to support the recommendations of the Equine Committee. If the new change causes problems, I have no doubt that the issue will be re-visited.
ABANDONED VEHICLES ORDINANCE –This ordinance was approved giving the City the means to deal with abandoned vehicles.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL HIGHWAY DESIGNATION – Council is still struggling with this issue since part of Whiskey Road has been designated as a memorial to a member of the Brinkley family. Council finally decided to amend the resolution for the designation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Highway and designate the area of S.C.19 north from the city limits south down Laurens Street ending on Laurens at South Boundary and that the City Staff work with the Highway Department to make the size of the signs in the downtown area appropriate for the area.
SILVER BLUFF MEDICAL COMPLEX – Council approved this request on first reading. University Health Services is asking for approval of a concept plan for a medical office complex to be located on Silver Bluff road across from the Center South Shopping Center. This project consists of three medical buildings totaling 72,000 square feet to be built in two phases. The first phase will consist of a one-story building with 17,000 square feet close to Silver Bluff Road. Entrance to the complex will be from Silver Bluff Road, but entrance to the first building will be from an internal parking lot within the complex. The proposed entrance does not comply with three provisions of the access management section of the Zoning Ordinance and the applicant has asked for a waiver of these three areas. The Planning Staff has reviewed the applicant’s request for waiver and feels that it is not a concern due to the gradients and location of other driveways in the area. Due to the fact that Silver Bluff Road is a five-lane roadway and to preserve trees, staff is recommending that these waivers be accepted. This application was approved unanimously by the Planning Commission.
There are some significant traffic issues with this project. First, it may increase exit time from Town Creek Road onto Silver Bluff Road, but staff feels that any increase delay is not considered excessive and a traffic signal is not warranted at this time.
UPDATE ON SILVER BLUFF MEDICAL COMPLEX – I have received several calls on this issue. One is in support of the complex and the rest expressed concerns about traffic and adverse business impact to the Aiken Regional Medical Center. While Council discussed the traffic impacts at our last meeting, it did not seem to be a major concern. Since that time, however, I have heard increasing concerns about the impact to Town Creek Road and the intersection at Dougherty Road. With no timetable for the widening of Silver Bluff Road and continued development beyond Richardson's Lake Road, the City needs to carefully consider traffic impacts from developments along Silver Bluff Road. If you have a concern about this project or support the project, I urge you to attend Monday’s City Council meeting which begins at 7:00 P.M. This is the second item on the Agenda so there will not be a long wait until the issue is heard.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA – Council will also discuss the lease of property on Price Avenue to a person building a compounding pharmacy and approval of an agreement between the City of Aiken and Habit for Humanity to help further the goal of constructing new affordable homes within the community of Aiken.
ON-LINE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – Keep in mind that City Council agendas are available on line. The complete agenda includes supporting documents that we review to determine a course of action. The link for Monday’s City Council agenda is http://www.aiken.net/weblink7/docview.aspx?id=99270.
CITY COUNCIL HORIZONS GOAL SETTING – On Friday and Saturday City Council will meet for the annual goal setting conference. We meet at Rye Patch. The meeting starts at noon on Friday and resumes on Saturday morning at 8:00 A.M. As is always the case when the Council meets, the public is invited.
E-WASTE COLLECTION DAY– I was pleased to have attended the recent e-waste collection day held at the Home Depot parking lot on January 3, 2009. This was the first time that we had a vendor who shredded documents at no cost. There was also a vendor who collected obsolete and old electronic devices (at a nominal cost). This is an excellent program which keeps many unwanted items from our landfills.
Posted by Dick Dewar
ABANDONED VEHICLES ORDINANCE –This ordinance was approved giving the City the means to deal with abandoned vehicles.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL HIGHWAY DESIGNATION – Council is still struggling with this issue since part of Whiskey Road has been designated as a memorial to a member of the Brinkley family. Council finally decided to amend the resolution for the designation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Highway and designate the area of S.C.19 north from the city limits south down Laurens Street ending on Laurens at South Boundary and that the City Staff work with the Highway Department to make the size of the signs in the downtown area appropriate for the area.
SILVER BLUFF MEDICAL COMPLEX – Council approved this request on first reading. University Health Services is asking for approval of a concept plan for a medical office complex to be located on Silver Bluff road across from the Center South Shopping Center. This project consists of three medical buildings totaling 72,000 square feet to be built in two phases. The first phase will consist of a one-story building with 17,000 square feet close to Silver Bluff Road. Entrance to the complex will be from Silver Bluff Road, but entrance to the first building will be from an internal parking lot within the complex. The proposed entrance does not comply with three provisions of the access management section of the Zoning Ordinance and the applicant has asked for a waiver of these three areas. The Planning Staff has reviewed the applicant’s request for waiver and feels that it is not a concern due to the gradients and location of other driveways in the area. Due to the fact that Silver Bluff Road is a five-lane roadway and to preserve trees, staff is recommending that these waivers be accepted. This application was approved unanimously by the Planning Commission.
There are some significant traffic issues with this project. First, it may increase exit time from Town Creek Road onto Silver Bluff Road, but staff feels that any increase delay is not considered excessive and a traffic signal is not warranted at this time.
UPDATE ON SILVER BLUFF MEDICAL COMPLEX – I have received several calls on this issue. One is in support of the complex and the rest expressed concerns about traffic and adverse business impact to the Aiken Regional Medical Center. While Council discussed the traffic impacts at our last meeting, it did not seem to be a major concern. Since that time, however, I have heard increasing concerns about the impact to Town Creek Road and the intersection at Dougherty Road. With no timetable for the widening of Silver Bluff Road and continued development beyond Richardson's Lake Road, the City needs to carefully consider traffic impacts from developments along Silver Bluff Road. If you have a concern about this project or support the project, I urge you to attend Monday’s City Council meeting which begins at 7:00 P.M. This is the second item on the Agenda so there will not be a long wait until the issue is heard.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA – Council will also discuss the lease of property on Price Avenue to a person building a compounding pharmacy and approval of an agreement between the City of Aiken and Habit for Humanity to help further the goal of constructing new affordable homes within the community of Aiken.
ON-LINE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – Keep in mind that City Council agendas are available on line. The complete agenda includes supporting documents that we review to determine a course of action. The link for Monday’s City Council agenda is http://www.aiken.net/weblink7/docview.aspx?id=99270.
CITY COUNCIL HORIZONS GOAL SETTING – On Friday and Saturday City Council will meet for the annual goal setting conference. We meet at Rye Patch. The meeting starts at noon on Friday and resumes on Saturday morning at 8:00 A.M. As is always the case when the Council meets, the public is invited.
E-WASTE COLLECTION DAY– I was pleased to have attended the recent e-waste collection day held at the Home Depot parking lot on January 3, 2009. This was the first time that we had a vendor who shredded documents at no cost. There was also a vendor who collected obsolete and old electronic devices (at a nominal cost). This is an excellent program which keeps many unwanted items from our landfills.
Posted by Dick Dewar
Friday, January 23, 2009
Medical Complex on Silver Bluff
Todays Aiken Standard carried an important article concerning the University Hospital plan to develop a medical complex on Silver Bluff Road. The project is on the City Council agenda for Monday January 26.There will be considerable debate on this issue but the question of competition for the Aiken Regional Medical Center has no appropriate place in the discussion. The primary question is whether or not the traffic that would be created at total buildout exceeds the standards set by the Traffic Management Ordinance. To read the complete article go here UPDATE- I have never seen so many comments on an Aiken Standard story. They are all over the map. Check it out!
"Healthy debate: Aiken Regional concerned about University Health complex"
1/23/2009 1:32 AM
By APRIL BAILEY and JENNIFER MILLER Staff writers
Staff writers
Officials with Aiken Regional Medical Centers, as well as several local residents, are up in arms about University Hospital's plans for a medical office complex on Silver Bluff Road.
Among their many concerns is the additional traffic the 72,000 square-foot complex would bring to an area that already has its share of traffic problems. They also say Aiken Regional could lose patients to Augusta which would hurt the local economy.
University officials say they are trying to serve their patients in Aiken and any traffic issues are being addressed. Now 20 percent of the hospital's patients come from Aiken County.
But for nearby residents this is not a good thing, said Kay Biermann Brohl, a board member for Aiken Regional Medical Centers and a former Planning Commissioner. Brohl said she served on the Planning Commission when the site was annexed into the City a few years ago and said the original concept plan was for mixed-use development, with some retail and residential space.
When the Commission approved the plan then, Brohl said it was under the impression that Silver Bluff Road would be widened to five lanes. Those plans have since been changed and turn lanes will instead be added along major intersections on Silver Bluff. However since there is a new concept plan for the property, Brohl says the additional traffic a medical complex would bring should be taken into account."
"Healthy debate: Aiken Regional concerned about University Health complex"
1/23/2009 1:32 AM
By APRIL BAILEY and JENNIFER MILLER Staff writers
Staff writers
Officials with Aiken Regional Medical Centers, as well as several local residents, are up in arms about University Hospital's plans for a medical office complex on Silver Bluff Road.
Among their many concerns is the additional traffic the 72,000 square-foot complex would bring to an area that already has its share of traffic problems. They also say Aiken Regional could lose patients to Augusta which would hurt the local economy.
University officials say they are trying to serve their patients in Aiken and any traffic issues are being addressed. Now 20 percent of the hospital's patients come from Aiken County.
But for nearby residents this is not a good thing, said Kay Biermann Brohl, a board member for Aiken Regional Medical Centers and a former Planning Commissioner. Brohl said she served on the Planning Commission when the site was annexed into the City a few years ago and said the original concept plan was for mixed-use development, with some retail and residential space.
When the Commission approved the plan then, Brohl said it was under the impression that Silver Bluff Road would be widened to five lanes. Those plans have since been changed and turn lanes will instead be added along major intersections on Silver Bluff. However since there is a new concept plan for the property, Brohl says the additional traffic a medical complex would bring should be taken into account."
Thursday, January 22, 2009
SC Government Restructuring Gaining Momentum
Governor Sanford has sent an email regarding the long overdue restructuring of the South Carolina governmment. The first few paragraphs appear below. To read the entire piece online go here,
"Government restructuring gaining momentum
With the New Year behind us and the legislature back in session, I wanted to pass along what I thought was an interesting article for the way it highlighted how people from all political perspectives can indeed agree on the common sense notion of restructuring our state government.
At a recent panel discussion down in the Lowcountry, Republican State Senator Tom Davis and former Democratic Governors Dick Riley and Jim Hodges echoed what our Administration has been saying for six plus years - that this 1895 Jim Crow Constitution is holding us back as a state, both in the inefficient structure it creates and the racial biases it perpetuates."
"Government restructuring gaining momentum
With the New Year behind us and the legislature back in session, I wanted to pass along what I thought was an interesting article for the way it highlighted how people from all political perspectives can indeed agree on the common sense notion of restructuring our state government.
At a recent panel discussion down in the Lowcountry, Republican State Senator Tom Davis and former Democratic Governors Dick Riley and Jim Hodges echoed what our Administration has been saying for six plus years - that this 1895 Jim Crow Constitution is holding us back as a state, both in the inefficient structure it creates and the racial biases it perpetuates."
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